GAMBLING(A DANGEROUS HABIT)

In some cases, gambling can become a problematic behavior causing many difficulties. This type of compulsive behavior is often called "problem gambling". It is typically a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical and social repercussions.

Problem gambling is harmful to psychological and physical health. People dealing with this addiction can suffer from depression, migraine, distress, intestinal disorders and other anxiety related problems. Ultimately, severe problem gambling can lead to suicide. The rate of problem gambling has risen globally over the last few years.

Because of its harmful consequences, problem gambling has become a significant public health concern in many countries.

Gaming usually refers to gambling where it is legal to do so.

Symptoms of a gambling addiction

Problem gambling can become a progressive addiction.

Some of the signs and symptoms of problem gambling include:

Gambling is becoming more prevalent throughout the world

• craving for gaming
• depression
• feelings of remorse after gambling
• gambler feels the need to bet more money more frequently
• in spite of escalating losses, the person continues to gamble believing they will recuperate losses
• increasing financial debt (using income and savings for gambling, borrowing money, resort to gambling to meet financial obligations..)
• loss of control
• loss of sleep
• person persists in gambling behavior in spite of growing, severe, negative consequences
• repetitive unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling
• rising obsession with gambling


• stress related problems (migraines, intestinal disorders..)
• when attempting to refrain from gambling, the person becomes restless or irritable

Gambling is not a financial problem, but an emotional problem that has financial consequences.

What can trigger problem gambling?

Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks and do not gamble responsibly. Gambling becomes a problem when behavior interferes with finances, relationships and the workplace. Often, gamblers take time to realize that they have a serious problem.

Many people who develop problem gambling are considered as responsible and dependable people. Often, there are precipitating factors that lead to a change in behavior, such as retirement, traumatic circumstances, or job related stress.

In general, it has been established that people with one addiction are more at risk of developing another. Some problem gamblers also find they have a problem with alcohol or drugs. They seem to have a predisposition for addiction. However, some problem gamblers never experience any other addiction.

There is also evidence that family patterns are also important factors. Many problem gamblers report that either one or both parents had a drinking and or gambling problem. Family patterns and upbringing are significant aspects in the propensity to develop dependence. In addition, a person's genetic tendency to develop addiction and their ability to cope with normal life stress also plays a role.

The gambling addiction

The effect from gambling for a problem gambler is comparable to someone taking a tranquilizer, a drug, or having a drink. The sensation experienced is similar, although no substance is ingested. The gambling behavior alters the person's mood and state of mind. The gambler is hooked and keeps repeating the behavior, attempting to achieve that same effect.

Slot machines in casinos and betting shops are a popular way to gamble

Like in other addictions to drugs or alcohol, the person starts developing a tolerance. An increasing amount of substance is necessary. The gambler escalates in the gambling experience to achieve the same emotional effect as before.

The gambler becomes trapped in a vicious circle in which there is an increased craving for the activity. At the same time, the ability to resist drops. The craving grows in intensity and frequency. The cause of a problem gambler problem is his/her inability to control the gambling.

The frequency of a person's gambling does not determine whether or not they have a gambling problem. Some problem gamblers may only go on periodic gambling binges. However, regardless of the rate of recurrence to the addictive activity, the emotional and financial consequences will be obvious.

Problem gambling causes disruptions in any major area in the gambler's life (psychological, personal, physical, social, professional). The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes a problem. Gambling becomes a problem when it causes a negative impact on any area of the individual's life.

Problem gambling and age factor

Research indicates that a significant number of kids have gambled before their 18th birthday.

Increased accessibility to betting and gambling allows children and youth to participate in some form of gambling (Internet gambling, betting on sports, slot machines...). It is generally accepted that children may be more likely to develop problems related to gambling than adults.

Parental attitudes, behavior, morals and social upbringing are important factors in determining the potential effects of gambling in children and adolescents. Age of exposure is also an influential aspect. Studies inform that adults who seek treatment for problem gambling start gambling at an early age. A number of adolescents reported an obsession with everything associated to gambling prior to developing problems.

Types of gambling and problem gambling

Casinos and lotteries provide the opportunity to gamble. The cause of a gambling problem is the individual's failure to control the compulsive behavior.

As a result, any type of gambling (racing, bingo, card games, dice games, lottery, slots and sports betting) can become problematic, as can an alcoholic can get drunk on any type of alcohol.

However, some types of gambling have particular characteristics that may intensify gambling problems. Reports indicate that a significant risk factor may be a fast speed of play. Types of games in which the quicker the wager to response time, present a higher risk for players.

Gambling is a widespread problem

Problem gambling is widespread and on the rise. Increased accessibility to gambling calls for greater awareness and appropriate legislation.

Anyone who provides gambling services has a responsibility to develop policies and programs to address underage and problem gambling issues. Research, treatment, prevention of problem gambling should be generally encouraged.

Recognizing problem gambling and getting help

If a person suspects they might have a gambling problem, there are a variety of self tests available on the internet. However, those will not give a diagnosis and do not replace a face-to-face evaluation with a trained clinical professional. Those brief screens are tools to help people decide whether to seek formal evaluation of their gambling behavior.

After a detailed assessment, an adequate treatment plan is adapted for the problem gambler. Treatment should be based on a complete evaluation of the problem, and respond to each individual´s specific needs. Treatment and assistance includes all areas of the individual's life (family, educational, financial, legal and professional).

source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15929.php

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Victor Duru

Diabetes How Alcohol Affect My Blood Sugar Levels?

The way that alcohol affects the body differs from person to person.

It is not uncommon to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or to have drinks after work with friends. Alcohol consumption is very prevalent in the United States.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2014:

• 87.6 percent of people age 18 and older reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime
• 71 percent reported drinking in the past year
• 56.9 percent reported drinking in the past month

For many people, a glass of alcohol here and there does not pose a problem. For those with certain health conditions such as diabetes, however, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and pose a health risk. It is important for them to understand what alcohol is and how it affects blood sugar levels.

Contents of this article:

1. What is alcohol?
2. Alcohol and blood sugar levels
3. Alcohol consumption guidelines

What is alcohol?

Alcohol is made from the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. Fruits, vegetables, additives, and other by-products are added to the alcohol to produce different colors, strengths, tastes, and flavors.

It is a depressant and classed as a "sedative-hypnotic drug" because it depresses the central nervous system. Every organ in the body can be affected by alcohol. Once consumed, it is rapidly absorbed by the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream.

For an average person, the liver can typically break down one standard drink of alcohol per hour. Excess alcohol moves throughout the body. The amount not broken down by the liver is removed by the lungs and kidneys in urine and sweat.

Alcohol's effect on the body

How alcohol affects a person's body depends on how much they consume. At low doses, alcohol can act as a stimulant. People may feel happy, or become talkative.

Drinking too much alcohol can impair the body and lead to:

• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Unsteady movements
• Blurred vision
• Slowed reaction time
• Shallow breathing
• Memory loss and confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Passing out
• Coma
• Death

The way a person reacts to alcohol is also influenced by other factors, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Race or ethnicity
• Physical condition - heavier and more muscular people tend to have more fat and muscle to absorb the alcohol consumed
• Amount of food consumed before drinking - food dilutes the alcohol and slows its absorption into the bloodstream
• How quickly the alcohol is consumed
• How often the person's drinks - people who drink regularly are often able to handle their alcohol better than people who don't usually drink
• Use of drugs or prescription medicinesFamily history of alcohol problems
• Health

Alcohol and blood sugar levels

A person's overall health plays a big role in how they respond to alcohol. People with diabetes or other blood sugar problems must be careful when consuming alcohol.

Alcohol consumption can interfere with blood sugar as well as the hormones needed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Frequent heavy drinkers can wipe out their energy storage in a few hours.

Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the overall effectiveness of insulin. This results in high blood sugar levels. Many people with alcoholic liver disease also have either glucose intolerance or diabetes.

People with diabetes and other blood sugar-related illnesses must be extremely careful when consuming alcohol.

According to the Mayo Clinic, normal fasting blood sugar levels should range from 70-100 milligrams per deciliter. People who have diabetes generally have a blood sugar level higher than 126 milligrams per deciliter.

Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of:

• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Nerve damage
• Kidney damage
• Eye damage
• Skin conditions
• Foot damage

People with diabetes have to be very careful when it comes to drinking alcohol. It is a good idea that they talk to their doctor so that they thoroughly understand the risks involved.

Some medicines should not be taken with alcohol. People with diabetes should make sure to pay attention to any potential warnings.

Alcohol consumption can lead to dangerously low blood sugar. This is because the liver has to work to remove the alcohol from the blood instead of managing blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of low blood sugar are similar to the symptoms of too much alcohol, including:

• Confusion
• Sleepiness
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Lack of coordination
• Headaches
• Unconsciousness

Alcohol consumption guidelines

People with diabetes who plan on drinking should check their blood sugar levels before and up to 24 hours after drinking. They should also check levels before going to bed to ensure they are stable.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one standard drink in the U.S. is equal to 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Drinks such as beer and wine can have an alcohol content of anywhere from 2-20 percent. Spirits or liquor can contain 40-50 percent or even more alcohol.

Below is the alcohol content in common alcoholic drinks according to the CDC. Each is equal to one drink.

• 12-ounces of beer - 5 percent alcohol content
• 8-ounces of malt liquor - 7 percent alcohol content
• 5-ounces of wine - 12 percent alcohol content
• 1.5-ounces or a "shot" of 80-proof spirits or liquor - 40 percent alcohol content

Tips for people with blood sugar problems

People with blood sugar problems should avoid mixed drinks and cocktails. These drinks are often full of sugar and empty caloriesand will increase blood sugar levels.

Cocktails and mixed drinks are full of sugar, so should be avoided by people with blood sugar problems.

The American Diabetes Association recommend the following for people with diabetes when they drink:

• Women should not have more than one drink per day
• Men should not have more than two drinks per day
• Do not drink on an empty stomach or when blood sugar levels are low
• Do not replace food with alcohol in a meal plan - do not count alcohol in a food plan as a carbohydrate choice
• Sip drinks slowly to make them last
• Keep hydrated with zero-calorie drinks like water or diet soda
• Try a light beer or wine spritzer
• Be wary of heavy craft beers, as these can have twice as much alcohol and calories as lighter beers
• Choose calorie-free drink mixers like diet soda or diet tonic water

Different alcohols vary in content and how they affect the blood sugar. The following are tables using information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing the amount of carbs and sugar in alcohol:

Beer

Type of drink	Serving size	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugar (g)
Regular beer	1 can or bottle	12.64	0.00
Light beer	1 can or bottle	5.81	0.32
Strong beer	1 can or bottle	0.96	0.00

Wine

Type of drink	Serving size	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugar (g)
Red wine	5 fl oz	3.84	0.91
White wine	5 fl oz	3.82	1.41

Spirits

Type of drink	Serving size	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugar (g)
Whiskey	1.5 fl oz	0.04	0.04
Vodka	1.5 fl oz	0.0	0.0
Gin	1.5 fl oz	0.0	0.0
Rum	1.5 fl oz	0.0	0.0

Cocktails

Type of drink	Serving size	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugar (g)
Daiquiri	2 fl oz	4.16	3.35
Pina colada	4.5 fl oz	31.95	31.49
Whiskey sour	3.5 fl oz	13.59	13.55
Tequila sunrise	6.8 fl oz	23.84	-

Most people with diabetes can enjoy an occasional alcoholic drink. Each alcoholic drink takes around 1-1.5 hours to finish processing in the liver. The more alcohol consumed, the bigger the risk of low blood sugar.

Low blood sugar symptoms can suddenly appear, and can be dangerous if the drinker is not prepared. It is a good idea to eat carbohydrates before drinking alcohol to help keep blood sugar levels steady.

People with diabetes can carry glucose tabs in case of an emergency and should check their blood sugar levels regularly. They should also remember that some diabetes medicine may not work if too much alcohol is consumed.

A recent study found that moderate drinkers had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared with non-drinkers. This type of research provides an interesting twist to the notion that people with diabetes should not drink.

When it comes to alcohol, those with blood sugar problems should always remain cautious, however. It is best to follow daily recommended consu

SOURCE: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312918.php

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Victor Duru